Crews Battle Unique Island Fire Off the Coast of Fairhaven

FAIRHAVEN (WBSM) — Officials are investigating after a Sunday night fire erupted on Crow Island in Fairhaven.

Fairhaven Fire and EMS received a report of a fire on the island at about 10:44 p.m. on August 16. Engine 2 responded to the scene, as well as off-duty personnel joining in with Marine 34, the department’s fire suppression boat. The New Bedford Fire Department also responded with its fire boat, Marine 31.

The department noted that Crow Island, which is located in the Fairhaven-New Bedford Harbor, has one residential structure and two detached structures: a chapel and a gazebo.

Fairhaven Fire-EMS via Facebook

Crow Island Chapel Fire and Electrical Damage

According to the department, the fire started inside the chapel and spread to the gazebo, which had gas-powered equipment inside of it, as well as the high voltage housing for the entire island. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, remove the equipment and isolate the electrical system.

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Marine 34 Fireboat Put to the Test in Fairhaven Harbor

“Crews faced some initial challenges regarding the distance from the shoreline and wind considerations but were able to resolve them quickly and stop the fire from spreading any further,” the department said.

The island’s two residents were unharmed and remained on Marine 34. They were eventually displaced when it was determined that the electricity to the residence would have to be cut for the night.

The Fairhaven Harbormaster, Fairhaven Emergency Management Agency, Fairhaven Police, New Bedford Fire Department and New Bedford Police Marine Units all assisted in the efforts.

Fairhaven Fire-EMS via Facebook

Ongoing Investigation by Fairhaven Fire Department

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the Fairhaven Fire Department said it is not considered suspicious. No civilians or firefighters were injured.

“We would like to note that this is the first fire incident that our fire suppression boat has operated on,” Fairhaven Fire-EMS Public Information Officer Maggie Rocha said. “We are grateful that we had the capabilities to perform what was necessary to mitigate this incident swiftly and with minimal delays in this unique situation due to the acquisition of Marine 34 in late 2025.”